Mizugaki is about as experienced as they come in the division, as he has fought the likes of Urijah Faber, Brian Bowles, Miguel Torres and Scott Jorgensen under the UFC or WEC banners. While Rivera says he respects the skills and experience of his Japanese foe, he believes this is the fight that will make him a household name to the UFC audience.

“He’s not one of those people who is going to take you to the ground and hold you there to win,” Rivera told MMAjunkie Radio. “We can stand and bang all three rounds, or he can knock me out, or I can knock him out. Whatever, I just want the fans to see a great fight and know that we’re there to put on a show.”

Rivera is currently riding a four-fight unbeaten streak under the UFC banner, which clearly indicates he’s doing the right things both in and out of the octagon. Even though it would appear that way, Rivera says he plans to make many improvements to his training camp ahead of what is the most significant matchup of his career thus far.

“I have to change a little bit of the things I know I should have done before, but maybe just wasn’t in the right position to do it,” Rivera said. “Now the position I’m in I can change my diet, hire nutrition, I can hire a personal strength and conditioning coach.”

One thing Rivera doesn’t have to worry about improving ahead of the upcoming contest is the natural power in his punches. Rivera is considered one of the hardest hitters in his weight class, as proven by knockout victories in his past two fights.

“Cisco” has more belief in his hands than any other part of his game, which means Mizugaki needs to be very careful if and when he decides to exchange punches.

“I’m looking for the finish – if I catch him it’s over,” Rivera said. “If you’re going to stand in front of me at range, I guarantee I’ll catch him. I definitely have way more power. Most of my fights are knockouts. So If I don’t knock you out, I’ll drop you. He’s really technical, but he doesn’t have the power to stand with me.”

If all goes according to plan, Rivera will still have a perfect UFC record in tact following UFC 173. Moreover, the 32-year-old feels a victory will put him on the cusp of a shot at reigning 135-pound titleholder Renan Barao.

“It’s a huge opportunity and I think if I work on a lot of things I’m supposed to, I can be the number one contender here.”

MMAjunkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia, MMAjunkie lead staff reporter John Morgan and producer Brian “Goze” Garcia. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

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